
Drawing on the firm’s close collaboration with its Northern Ireland office, Arthur Cox is well-placed to advise on cross-border real estate transactions including investments, transactions, financings, developments and leasing matters across all real estate asset classes, including the office, retail, logistics PRS and energy sectors. The team is headed by Simon Hannigan, who maintains a strong practice across the full range of real estate work, particularly the forward purchases and fundings of investment assets. Adept in handling investment acquisitions and disposals is Deirdre Barrett, who is a go-to for an international investor client base, while Brian O’Rourke has diverse expertise across portfolio and single-asset transactions, sales and leasebacks, and commercial leasings. Deirdre Sheehan stands out for her work in acquisitions and disposals of commercial property, landlord and tenant matters, and real estate finance agreements. Ciara White is a key name to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Deep knowledge across multiple areas of legal focus. Great back bench.’
- ‘Strong leadership, candid advice, client-focused solutions.’
- ‘An industry-leading team. Our stand-out lawyers in Europe. Very commercial, drive very complex transactions forwards from a real estate, tax and construction perspective. Engaged, attentive and very responsive.’
- ‘They make reasonably complicated things simple for us as clients.’
- ‘The senior AC people are very available. They are clam, confident and competent under pressure.'
- ‘Stephanie McGovern is very knowledgeable and efficient. Effectively manages our real estate matters from end-to-end. Have complete trust in her judgment and ability to manage and deliver on the transactions.’
Key clients
- Spear Street Capital
- Kennedy Wilson
- Ardstone Partners ICAV
- Meta
- Bain Capital
- Irish Life
- Rohan Group
- CRH
- Hibernia Real Estate Group
- Phoenix Tower International
- Aviva/Friends First
- Davy Target Developments Ltd
Work highlights
Advising Strategic Value Partners on a deal involving advising on the acquisition of the Blanchardstown Centre from Goldman Sachs.
Advising Brookfield and Hibernia on the development financing for Hibernia’s Harcourt Square property in the heart of Dublin’s Georgian district.
Advising Land Development Agency on the acquisition of the former Doyle’s Nursey, Brennanstown Road, Cabinteely, Co. Dublin.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Simon Hannigan
Other key lawyers
Deirdre Barrett; Brian O’Rourke; Deirdre Sheehan; Stephanie McGovern; Shane O'Neill; Ciara White



